Looking Ahead to 2010

The stats show that more farmers are wrapping up what at one time appeared to be a never-ending harvest. There will be plenty of stories out of this year as the dust (or mud) settles back down.

And as you clean up the combine and get it ready to be parked - and I know many who read this will say (not for a few more weeks) - it's time to start thinking about 2010. You've probably already booked seed, you're looking at pricing other inputs, and what about equipment?

You're memory of this harvest is still fresh in your mind. And you have a few weeks before the year runs out to take advantage of Section 179 depreciation if you have an idea for new equipment. What tools could you acquire to deploy on your operation that will enhance planting, crop management, or harvest for 2010?

Not sure if bigger is always better, but if you had a larger combine available (and that doesn't always mean a purchase) could you have covered more acres faster this harvest? Would added drier capacity improved your year? How would auto-steering have been a help for any step of the crop production process?

They say winter is a time of reflection, to think about the year just past and the one just beginning. The person who said that probably farmed, because the seasonal cycle drives all you do. As you recover from harvest 2009, don't let it act as a hangover to your planning for 2010. Nature marches on, giving you more opportunities.

If you have a harvest story you'd like to share with our readers, registered users can add a comment below. Or drop a note to me at [email protected].